Do you actually have to put liquids in plastic bags?

For the TSA, which regulates travel in the United States, all liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less. All liquids must fit into a single, clear quart-size bag — passengers can only pack one of these bags in their carry-on.



Whether you must put your liquids in a plastic bag depends on your destination and the type of security screening available. For international travel in 2026, the "3-1-1" rule still largely applies: all liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers of 100ml (3.4 oz) or less and fit into a single, clear, quart-sized (1 liter) zip-top bag. This bag must typically be removed from your carry-on and placed in a bin for X-ray screening. However, many major airports are now installing advanced CT (Computed Tomography) scanners that allow you to keep liquids and electronics inside your bag. If you are using a "TSA PreCheck" lane in the U.S., you are generally not required to remove your liquids bag. Despite these technological upgrades, the 100ml limit remains standard globally. It is a peer-to-peer best practice to always have your liquids bagged and accessible just in case you encounter an older security checkpoint or a strict international inspector who requires it for visual verification.

People Also Ask

For the TSA, which regulates travel in the United States, all liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less. All liquids must fit into a single, clear quart-size bag — passengers can only pack one of these bags in their carry-on.

MORE DETAILS

Is toothpaste considered a liquid by the TSA? Yes, toothpaste must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule for liquids and gels. Toothpaste can be brought through TSA security in your carry-on as long as it is 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and placed in a 1-quart bag.

MORE DETAILS

But what are they, and is deodorant considered a liquid when flying? Deodorant can be considered a liquid when flying if it is in a gel or aerosol form. If your deodorant is solid, though, the TSA will let you bring a standard stick of solid deodorant with you in your carry-on luggage.

MORE DETAILS

Do Toiletry Bags Need to Be Clear? TSA does not specify that toiletry bags need to be clear. However, when traveling with liquids, using a TSA approved clear liquid bag will help expedite the TSA process so agents can see everything easily without further inspection.

MORE DETAILS

Safety Razors: Because the razor blades are so easy to remove, safety razors are not permitted in your carry-on luggage with the blade. They're fine to pack in your carry-on without the blade. The blades must be stored in your checked luggage.

MORE DETAILS

You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

MORE DETAILS

It can be as simple as a clear plastic sandwich bag. If you plan to carry liquids on a plane, they do need to be in a clear plastic bag that is quart size at it's biggest.

MORE DETAILS

Yes, TSA considers concealer to be a liquid, unless it is in stick form. Carry it – most concealers are small and fit in your quart-sized bag. Yes, it can only be carried on in 3.4 ounces or smaller containers.

MORE DETAILS

These scanners mean that the 100ml limit on liquids no longer applies, and passengers can travel with larger volumes of liquids as long as they fit inside their cabin bags.

MORE DETAILS

What does this mean for travelers? Travelers can expect to see the complete removal of the 100ml rule at major airports by 2024. Eventually, the carry-on liquid limit at these airports will be extended to 2 liters (0.53 gallons). This new limit is already in force at some major airports.

MORE DETAILS

The end of the 100ml liquid limit Already a number of airports, including Miami International Airport, Leonardo da Vinci International Airport in Rome and Schiphol in Amsterdam, have started making use of the tech, and the UK Government has given airports until June 2024 to upgrade their screening equipment.

MORE DETAILS

Yes, you can take tweezers on a plane and pack them in your carry-on and/or checked bag. It's beneficial to pack them properly to avoid any inconvenience.

MORE DETAILS

Deodorant can be considered a liquid when flying if it is in a gel or aerosol form. If your deodorant is solid, though, the TSA will let you bring a standard stick of solid deodorant with you in your carry-on luggage.

MORE DETAILS

TSA Rules For Flying With Lipstick
When it comes to lipstick, the TSA considers it a solid, not a liquid or gel, which means it's allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage. However, there are some restrictions to keep in mind.

MORE DETAILS

The 3-1-1 rule basically states that all liquids must be in a container that is 3.4 ounces or smaller, and all of your carry-on liquids must fit in one clear, quart-sized bag. This rule applies to all sorts of everyday items, like sunscreen, makeup, lotion, and shampoo.

MORE DETAILS

You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.

MORE DETAILS

Safety Razors: Because the razor blades are so easy to remove, safety razors are not permitted in your carry-on luggage with the blade. They're fine to pack in your carry-on without the blade. The blades must be stored in your checked luggage. The same applies for straight razors.

MORE DETAILS